OverviewWSDOT plans to build two northbound and southbound general purpose lanes on I-405 between NE 44th Street and 112th Avenue SE in Bellevue. This project addresses a major I-405 chokepoint where the existing roadway is one lane narrower than I-405 north of I-90.

The $150 million in state funding needs to be complemented by additional regional funding to continue new lanes on either end of this project between SR 169 and I-90.

Why is WSDOT
constructing these new lanes?

High commuter traffic through this area into Bellevue and west to Seattle causes severe backups leading to five hours of northbound congestion in the morning and four hours heading southbound in the evening. The actual travel time per-mile on the Renton to Bellevue I-405 morning commute was the worst out of 20 commutes that have been studied by WSDOT. These backups can contribute to congestion-related collisions.

The End Result
After completion of this project in conjunction with the Renton to Bellevue Project, capacity on I-405 between NE 44th Street and 112th Avenue SE will have increased 100 percent with the addition of two lanes in each direction, resulting in faster travel times and fewer congestion-related collisions.

Project Benefits

Safety. Increased capacity will reduce congestion-related collisions.

Congestion relief. Improves traffic flow with the addition of two general purpose lanes in each direction (as part of the entire Renton to Bellevue Project) - a 100 percent increase. Travel speeds will increase between 10 and 25 miles per hour.

Environment. WSDOT's I-405 Corridor Program team will design the project to avoid and minimize affects to the environment.

What is the project timeline?

2004: Work started on the Environmental Assessment for the Renton to Bellevue project area.